Things Your Coffee Shop Can Do Better this 2018

Be sure to set realistic goals.

It’s finally that time of the year when we make wish lists hopefully expecting that this time we’ll be able to accomplish at least some of them in 2018. It’s not that simple, sadly. Life gets in the way, and then life gets in the way again, and then life gets in the way some more until you realize it’s December and your list remains mostly unchecked. Many times, this happens because we set unrealistic goals according to our circumstances. So whether you’re making a personal or a professional list, be honest with yourself before anything else. If you’re a coffee shop owner or worker, then we’re right here to back you up and give you some achievable ideas of how your coffee business can improve and grow this 2018.

Invest in automated systems

Having an automated inventory system can save you a lot of time, which is a good thing because time is money. Keep track of how often you need to replenish your stock (like coffee beans, cups, syrups, sugar and more), so you can use this data to invest in a program that can reorder supplies automatically. If you understand your ordering habits, you can save money by reducing how often you purchase less popular items and instead focus on buying the most-used products in cost-saving quantities.

In general, technology can be a great ally. Baristas and cashiers can save a lot of time if you offer them an updated Point of Sale. It can also help you keep track of inventory and save you up to 10% simply by reducing theft and order errors.

Encourage last-minute purchases

Take a look at how businesses like Starbucks always invest in their exhibitions. You can earn a lot of money if you encourage the desire to acquire more products when people are about to pay. Invest in good design and merchandising so you can offer a top-notch product. Exhibitions are great because they usually sell by themselves, as you don’t need any sellers to stand at the point of purchase. You can ally with other brands or make a brand of your own. What’s a better way to promote your business than to sell merch that portrays your colors and logo? But remember, just like we said, watch out for good design and quality.

Improve your social media strategies

Coffee shops are as social as the very social media platforms can be in 2018, and even more, because you get the benefit of the face-to-face interaction. That means that your café can exploit all the advantages of a good social media marketing strategy. If you’ve created an experience that's worth sharing, then all you need to do is encourage consumers to share it all across their social media profiles. This way, you’ll start communicating an identity that feels alive, real, and humanized. If people happen to catch some of that up on Instagram, they’ll be instantly tempted to visit you!

Customers are your best marketing allies

This is especially true when we’re talking about coffee shops. This 2018, don’t forget your customers! Ask for their opinion on new items to be added to the menu or listen to what they have to say about their favorite and least favorite beverages and meals. Make sure to provide a good service, because most people visiting coffee shops for the first time have actually done it motivated by a close friend’s recommendation.  You can even bribe them a little by giving them a free treat if they bring a friend to your cafe for the first time. Read your reviews and pay attention to what they’re saying about you on social media. Make them part of the experience!

There’s so much more you can do this 2018 to make your coffee shop’s experience truly unforgettable! Have you thought about your goals for this new year to come? Follow That Coffee Roasters on social media to learn more about how we can work together to give the best of the coffee world to our clients!

With hard work and good strategies, you can accomplish all your goals and more!

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

How to Sell Coffee: 5 Marketing Tips

Having the best coffee is not enough, you've got to know how to sell it!

Specialty coffee has really made its way to the heart of the coffee industry since the so-called third wave started. Nowadays, many people are looking to buy coffee products with knowable origins and characteristics. They can get seriously picky about what they desire to buy. Most of the time, however, customers simply want to drink a cup of coffee. They’re not looking for exotic flavors or special processing methods. They just want to spend some good-quality time with friends or sip their way through the mornings before work.  That’s why, when it comes to selling coffee, understanding who your customers are and what they want is so important.

It’s also essential to understand the kind of product you’re selling. Some roasters might have unique roasts that don’t go well with most people’s usual taste, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t sell it so your customers can start appreciating the different sensations that come with each cup. Here are some tips to get better at selling coffee, both for coffee shop's owners and roasters alike!

Lay down your ego

For us, who really, really love coffee and all there is to know about it, sometimes it can be hard to look past ourselves and realize that not everyone is as interested in coffee culture as we are. If you dive into the market acting like your specialty coffee is better than everyone else’s because it was grown at very specific temperatures in the mountains of… no one cares. Seriously, very few people care about the characteristics behind every cup of coffee. They see coffee as a simple commodity that keeps them up during that eternal meeting at 8:00 a.m.

So putting your ego first will only stop you from being flexible to the market’s demands. You don’t have to sell low-quality coffee. You definitely shouldn’t, actually, but you’ll find out that by listening to what people have to say about your product, you’ll understand more about what they want, and you’ll even be able to spot new opportunities to explore within the market. Whatever you’re selling, always make sure that it’s good-quality, well-processed, well-roasted and well-brewed. People will be bound to like it, beyond the origins.

Educate about coffee through subtlety

Nevertheless, a good part of selling specialty coffee is making sure that people understand what makes your coffee special. Coffee education can be boring, and if people are not interested in it, to begin with, it can easily become a hard market for small businesses. So what can you do about it? Teach your customers about coffee culture without them realizing they’re actually learning. You could train your most passionate and charismatic baristas to talk about the brew they’re serving, or you could put little hard, sharp facts directly in the coffee mugs or cups so your customers can take the information with them.

Listen to your customers and make your products approachable

Don’t expect people to buy your coffee just because it’s very expensive and comes from Ethiopia. Give samples to true potential customers, listen to their opinions, and learn from their experience trying your product. Make it approachable so that they can give it a shot. The coffee industry tends to be a business that’s built upon customer trust. Consumers will most likely stay in their safe lane (trying classic flavors and brews) if they don’t know your brand very well. However, once you’ve gained their trust, you can start offering new and exciting products coming from all parts of the world. It’s all a matter of how you first introduce it to the market.

Understand your value

Now more than ever, people are aware of what they’re consuming. You can always work on people’s necessity to feel they’re contributing to a good cause or a good story. Words like “organic” or “fair trade” capture customers’ attention. Be sure to understand how you can differentiate yourself from your competition and exploit that. If you have a special edition, give it a name, market it as something completely unique, something only your brand can offer. At the end of the day, you’re not only selling a beverage, but also the opportunity to accompany people on their everyday activities and moments.

Use storytelling

After you’ve understood your value, the next thing you need to figure out is a way to communicate it. Storytelling is perfect for it. As we said before, coffee is sold thanks to customers’ trust, so you should definitely do what you can to connect with your consumers. Tell the story of how your brand came to be, of its values, and what makes you different from others. Communicate the same story all across your platforms, social media and advertisements.

Understand your customer's needs.

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Learn How to Make Your Coffee Healthier with these Tips

Take good care of your body.

For years, scientists and physicians have wondered just how healthy coffee really is for our body. When it was first discovered, caffeine was used for its healing properties. Ever since then, many studies have been conducted to test coffee's benefits to our health. However, you must remember that, as with everything else in life, if you have too much of it, you’ll feel more negative consequences than positive ones.

Caffeine alone won’t do you harm. The problem comes when we add too many extra ingredients to our cups. Over the years, people have been experimenting with new and different ways to have their daily cups of coffee, and a lot of sugar has usually been involved in the process, hence all the crazy and extravagant Starbucks recipes. If you want to enjoy all the best coffee can offer in all its presentations, but still want to take good care of your body, follow these simple tips to make your coffee time both delicious and healthy!

Pure and black is always a better choice

When in doubt, a simple black coffee is always the healthiest alternative. You take away all sweeteners and creamers and enjoy all the true benefits of coffee beans. Make sure you’re buying organic and high-quality coffee as well. This will prevent you from ingesting products that have been heavily subjected to pesticides and artificial fertilizers.

Forget about sugar and artificial sweeteners

If you love the sweet flavor of your coffee too much to let it go, you better pick stevia or other natural sweeteners. Most coffee products out there come with a lot of artificial sweeteners, so be sure to avoid those like the plague. It might be hard to get used to it at first, but your body will definitely thank you in the long run.

Don’t worry! You can still have fun with your coffee. Add natural ingredients such as cinnamon and organic cocoa to give it an extra delicious flavor! Cinnamon is known for lowering glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels; and cocoa is a famous source of antioxidants!

Low fat and artificial creamers are also a big no if you want to make your coffee extra healthy. Most of the time, they come with harmful ingredients such as corn syrup solids or hydrogenated oils. You can use just a little of full-fat cream, as it's actually known to be associated with a reduced risk of obesity.

No caffeine after 3:00 p.m.

We know, we know. It’s not that we want to take the bless of coffee afternoons away from you, it’s just that they can be harmful to your sleeping patterns. You see, the effects of caffeine in our bodies can last up to six hours after we ingest it. That means that you can have trouble falling asleep if you drank coffee after 3:00 p.m. Just leave it for the mornings, it’ll help you stay active and productive over the course of the day!

Are you willing to take this advice to heart and make your coffee time as healthy as it can be? The good thing is that if you get rid of all those extra ingredients and flavors, you’ll be able to taste all different qualities and nuances that come with a good-quality cup of coffee. Don’t believe us? Try any of That Coffee Roasters’ products without any additives and be ready to get lost in the sensations…

How do you have your coffee every day?

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Mix Coffee With the Best Christmassy Ingredients and Try these Recipes!

Only a few days to try these recipes before the year is over.

Nothing’s pulling us out of our Christmas mood. We’ll carry on until the winds of January get heard over the sound of our Christmas albums. However, it is a good thing that there are still many winter days to endure, because that means that we’ll have to use coffee to keep us warm. Some ingredients prove to be better than others for these cold days, but caffeine is always a perfect option. That’s why today we’ve brought the best Christmas recipes so you can stay in your pajamas all day and watch your favorite movies with a coffee mug to keep you company!

Slow Cooker Gingerbread Latte

This recipe, perfect for Christmas mornings, is bound to make you fall in love with its sweet flavors and chocolate tones. You can try it with coconut milk and whipped cream for an extra healthy version! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup mint syrup see below
• 4 espresso shots

Whipped cream

• 1 Candy cane crushed
• Mint syrup
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp mint extract

Instructions

1. Make the mint syrup by mixing together boiling water, sugar, and mint extract. Set aside. This syrup will last up to a month in the fridge so you can enjoy peppermint mochas all December long!

2. In a large glass mixing cup, microwave milk for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Add cocoa powder, mint syrup, chocolate chips, and fresh espresso shots, whisking well to combine.

3. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, then serve and enjoy!

Recipe by: The Girl on Bloor

White Chocolate Peppermint Mochas

Give the classic peppermint mocha a twist by brewing it with white chocolate! Snuggle under the blankets with one of these and let us know how it goes.

Ingredients

• Brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/8 tbsp peppermint extract
• Whipped cream
• Candy canes, crushed (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew coffee to your preference.
2. Place chocolate chips in glass measuring cup.
3. Microwave in 30-seconds increments until they are melted, stirring until smooth, add in milk & peppermint extract.
4. Stir until well combined.
5. Fill coffee cups 1/2 way with coffee, pour in 1/2 cup of white chocolate mixture, stir to combine.
6. Garnish with whipped cream & candy cane pieces. Yield is 2 large cups.

Recipe by: Lori from Who Needs a Cape

Baked Peppermint Mocha Donuts

Finally, take your passion for Christmas coffee to a whole new level with these delicious donuts. They’re easy to make, and they’re topped with an irresistible chocolate peppermint glaze. You’ll need:

Ingredients

Donut

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp espresso powder
• 1 egg
• 3 Tbsp Dunkin' Donuts® Bakery Series Chocolate Glazed Donut Pre-pack Bag, brewed (and cooled to room temperature)
• 1/4 cup half & half
• 3 Tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp canola oil

Peppermint Mocha Glaze

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 Tbsp Dunkin' Donuts® Bakery Series Chocolate Glazed Donut Pre-pack Bag, brewed
• 2-4 Tbsp Dunkin Donuts® Extra Extra Creamer
• 1/8 tsp peppermint extract (it's very strong, and a little goes a long way)

Topping

• Crushed Peppermint Candies

Instructions

Donuts

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a donut pan with baking spray and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder together until well combined. Set aside.
3. Whisk the egg, coffee, and half & half together. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and add the wet ingredients. Mix until combined (batter will be fairly thick).
4. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and canola oil; mix until well combined.
5. Pour batter into greased donut pan, filling each donut cavity about 3/4 of the way full (this batter can make about 7-8 donuts).
6. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the donut 'springs' back when touched. Allow it to cool a few minutes before removing from the pan.

Glaze

7. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and cocoa powder together. Add in coffee, and 2 Tbsp of creamer, and whisk until combined. If the glaze feels too thick, add in remaining creamer, 1 Tbsp at a time (I used 3 Tbsp, but I do prefer a thicker glaze).
8. Add in peppermint extract, and mix until well combined.
9. Dip each donut into the glaze, and top with crushed peppermint candies. Allow the glaze to set (about 10 minutes).
10. Enjoy!

Recipe by: Michelle from A Latte Food

Make this winter truly memorable with the sweetest flavors! If you never want to leave the comfort of your home and blankets, we can’t say we’ll blame you. We’d probably be doing the same, but we’ve got too many coffee beans to keep roasting. Follow That Coffee Roasters on social media to get more recipes and content!

Are you trying these recipes at home?

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters